Odisha Police Expose Mining–Maoist Explosives Nexus
The trail surfaced after police in Ganjam district seized nearly 10 tonnes of explosives from a cattle shed in Jagannathpur village
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s intelligence agencies have uncovered a disturbing nexus between mining operators and Maoist insurgents, revealing how commercial explosives may have been secretly diverted to fuel rebel activities. The revelation comes as anti-Naxal operations intensify across the country, raising fresh concerns over internal security.
The trail surfaced after police in Ganjam district seized nearly 10 tonnes of explosives from a cattle shed in Jagannathpur village under Chamakhandi police limits. Investigations revealed that consignments originally meant for quarrying and mining were being diverted to Maoist groups hiding in forested zones.
According to Additional Director General (Anti-Naxal Operations) Sanjeeb Panda, the seized cache matched explosives recovered in July from the Gumma forests of Kandhamal. Both consignments were reportedly traced back to a single company — APEX Boost, allegedly operated under AP Explosives Pvt. Ltd. without proper licenses, and sourcing material from neighbouring Andhra Pradesh.
Three persons have been arrested in connection with the illegal storage and transportation, and their interrogation has pointed to a wider network of corporate collusion. Authorities suspect some mining operators may be supplying materials either out of fear of Maoist reprisals or for monetary gain.
The scale of the seizures has prompted state police to initiate a sweeping review of all quarrying and mining operations across Odisha, not just in Maoist-affected regions. Security agencies believe dismantling this covert supply chain is critical to choking off rebel resources.
The Centre has set a target of eliminating Maoist influence by March 2026. However, despite their shrinking base, security officials warn that extremists are attempting to regroup and stage high-profile strikes to retain relevance. The clandestine support they allegedly receive from mining mafias is seen as a key enabler.
This is not the first time Maoists have tapped industrial sources for arms. Earlier incidents, including the looting of explosive-laden trucks in Sundargarh, had already hinted at a larger corporate-rebel nexus. With the latest seizures, suspicions of a well-coordinated network have only deepened.
“We recovered nearly 9.4 tonnes of explosives in Kandhamal and over 600 detonators last month. Both bear the same brand, strongly suggesting Maoists were being supplied by commercial operators,” ADG Panda told mediapersons.